Walter Isaacson, a Tulane University professor and local author, shares insights on New Orleans' resilience following a tragic attack, highlighting the city's spirit amidst adversity. The conversation shifts to college football's new 12-team playoff, which has sparked a revenue increase and several competitive discussions. With Abe Madkour from Sports Business Journal, they explore potential tweaks for next season while touching on broader issues like regulatory changes and health warnings regarding alcohol. An engaging mix of local and sports commentary!
Walter Isaacson emphasizes New Orleans' unwavering resilience and commitment to culture despite the tragic New Year's Day attack.
The new 12-team college football playoff system has not only increased revenues but also sparked debates on the balance between athletics and academics.
Deep dives
Resilience in New Orleans After Tragedy
New Orleans is facing a significant challenge in the aftermath of a tragic New Year's Day truck attack that claimed 15 lives. The city is well-known for its resilience, as emphasized by local resident and historian Walter Isaacson, who believes that the community will not let fear dictate their future. Despite the heavy security presence and the lingering shock from the event, many residents, including Isaacson, are determined to continue their traditions and support the city's culture. This spirit mirrors previous crises the city has faced, including Hurricane Katrina, indicating a strong commitment to recovery and unity in the face of adversity.
Impacts of Net Neutrality Strikes
A recent federal court ruling has effectively overturned net neutrality regulations established during the Obama administration, which aimed to prevent internet service providers from discriminating against specific websites. This shift could have far-reaching implications, particularly for streaming services like Netflix, which may now face higher costs or prioritization by broadband companies. The ruling reflects a broader trend in which internet access is restructured, potentially impacting user access to content and the overall landscape of digital media. The decision highlights ongoing debates about how best to regulate internet frameworks amid advancing technology and changing consumer expectations.
Transformations in College Football Business
The inaugural 12-team college football playoff system has proven to be a financial success, generating heightened interest and revenue, despite some criticism regarding game competitiveness. This new structure reflects a growing trend toward professionalization in college athletics, with athletes receiving substantial payments for their name, image, and likeness. The industry is grappling with the academic implications of this shift, as student-athletes face increasing demands that may overshadow their educational responsibilities. As college football continues to evolve, the call for a centralized leadership or commission to oversee the sport's complexities becomes more pressing to ensure balance between athletics and academia.
Bourbon Street in New Orleans has reopened with a heavy police presence after the New Year’s Day attack that killed 14 people. Walter Isaacson, a Tulane University professor and New Orleans resident, weighs in on the city’s resilience. Next, college football’s inaugural 12 team playoff brought a revenue surge to college sports. Sports Business Journal editor Abe Madkour discusses the blowouts and the tweaks that may come next season. Plus, President Biden has officially blocked Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion effort to buy U.S. Steel, a U.S. appeals court struck down the FCC’s landmark net neutrality rules, and the U.S. surgeon general issued a warning officially linking alcohol to cancer.